October 28, 2017 Auction Catalog

Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Impressed Fish Decoration, Boston, Massachusetts origin, early 19th century, finely-potted, ovoid jug with narrow base, heavily-tooled spout, and ribbed handle, the front decorated with a large impressed and cobalt-highlighted design of an open-mouthed fish. In many cases, the applied cobalt obscures the detail of these impressed fish designs. However, the fish on this example features wonderful detail, including a heavily-scaled body, veining to the fins, and accents to the top and front of the head. Additional cobalt highlights to handle terminals. This jug bears what is possibly the most well-detailed Boston fish decoration we have handled. The elegant, elongated form of the jug has a narrow base that measures just 3 5/8" across. A minor base chip on side of jug. A minor iron ping near base. In-the-firing crazing to surface. H 13 1/2".